A Walk around Asakusa / 浅草の散歩

Any tourist who comes to visit Tokyo, Asakusa is a must see. Pictured above is the kaminari-mon which translates to the "Lightning Gate" and is also the main gateway to Sensoji Temple. From the gate to the temple is a shopping lane called Nakamise Street. Along both sides of the lane are souvenir shops, snack stands, toy stores, and just a variety of other items which in turn makes your walk to the temple seem like its off in the far distance. We were taken in my the rice cracker and dango shop and amused by the government figure snacks featuring former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and current Prime Minister Taro Aso.

観光客が東京に来ると、浅草は外せない名所でしょう。上記にあるのは浅草寺の入口にある雷門。雷門から浅草寺までたどり着くのは、仲見世通りを歩く。そこにいろんな店があって、お土産屋からおもちゃや、着物屋、日本刀の店、食べ物の屋台、等。浅草寺まで着くのは結構時間かかります。私たちの気をとられたのはせんべいと団子の店。僕はにんにく味のおせんべいを食べて、美香子はぬれおかき。あと、面白いと思ったのは政治家のまんじゅう。元首相の小泉純一郎と現在の総理大臣の麻生太郎のまんじゅうがあった。







Mikako was watching the news the other day and there was the piece on Asakusa about Edo-mura (a replica of Edo, the former name of Tokyo). When we reached Sensoji Temple, there was also a sign saying that a particular item was on view and this was the last day to see it. What made it special was that the item is only shown to the public once every fifty years. Of course we had to go check it out (and say a few prayers as well).

美香子が前の日にニュースを見てたら、浅草で江戸村を再現してる場所が紹介されて、それを見に行く事にした。浅草寺に着いたら、なんとその日に５０年に一回しか開帳されないものがあって、最終日とゆう事もあって、何か運が良かったと思う。もちろんお参りしましたよ。

The post that everybody is lined up for is connected to the item on display inside the temple. That's Sensoji Temple in the background.

その紐を持ってお祈りをするんですが、その紐は上のほうからあの５０年に一回開帳されるやつに繋がっています。バックはもちろん浅草寺です。

Most temple grounds feature a number of other buildings as well. One popular architecutural style is the five-storied pagoda.　There are also other statues that aren't heavily featured in the guidebooks such as the "Nade Botoke". If you are suffering some kind of pain on a part of your body, you rub the same part of the statue's body to help relieve your suffering.

いろんなお寺にメイン以外の建物もあります。結構見かけるのは五重塔。他にガイドブックにあなまり紹介されてないものもある、例えば、下記で撮った「なでぼどけ」

Another view of Sensoji Temple.

浅草寺

The Edo-mura replica weren't as lavish as I expected. There were maybe one or two very small displays which I found disappointing. You're better off going to the Edo-Tokyo Museum in Ryogoku.

再現した江戸村は凄く小さかったので、ちょっとガッカリ。素敵に再現した江戸を見たいなら両国にある江戸東京博物館に行ったほうをすすめします。

And I just had to try some soft-shelled turtle soup.　It was quite delicious.

で、すっぽんのスープを初めて飲んでみました。美味しかったです。

It was 500yen (almost $5.00) for this small amount of soft-shelled turtle soup. Mikako was put off by knowing that it was made from turtle but one sip and she decided she would have her own cup as well.

すっぽんスープはこの量で５００円でした。美香子は最初、すっぽんだからいらないと言ってましたが、一口を飲んでみたら、自分のも買うことにした。

And what would be a walk in Asakusa without something very traditionally Japanese?

浅草散歩に日本的な物を拝見しました。

Giving my little explanation of the post being linked to the item featured inside Sensoji Temple.






And my blog wouldn't be complete without a few blurbs on what we ate. Mikako ordered the clam skewer while I had a shish kebob.

僕のブログに食べ物のネタがないとちょっと不思議と思うでしょう。大丈夫、ちゃんとそうゆうネタも用意してます。動画を見ると、美香子ハマグリの串を買って、僕はカルビのほう（肉派ですから）。

As it was nearing dinner time as well, Mikako and I decided to split a beer and eat some oden.

夕飯の時間にもなって、美香子と一本のビールを飲みながら、おでんも食べました。

It was also getting dark, so I took a couple of pictures of the building as they were lighted up.

だんだん暗くなって、またライトアップされたビルの写真も撮りました。

Before leaving Asakusa, I found a couple other things that caught my camera's eyes.

浅草を去る前に、また気になったものを発見し、つい写真を撮りました。

But before heading home, we stopped of in Akasaka where a friend of mine runs a rock bar and noticed that the area was getting ready for Christmas.

家に帰る前に赤坂で友達がやってるバーに行きました。赤坂のクリスマスイルミネーションがありました。

Until next time.

またね！

Pepsi White / ペプシハワイト

Okay, time for another post about a new soda flavor. This time its Pepsi White. As you can see from the label, its a pepsi and yogurt flavored soda. Not so bad, but only for the first few sips. I put it back in the fridge and just this morning I noticed it was still there. I guess I won't be buying this flavor again anytime soon.

また新しい味のコーラーが出ました。今度はペプシから。ペプシホワイトです。ラベルを見ると、これはペプシとヨグルト味のコーラーです。感想ですか？まーまー。まずくはないんですが、でもそれは最初の一口位かな。ちょっと飲んで、冷蔵庫に戻したら、今日もまだ冷蔵庫に入ってるのを発見した。やっぱり一回きりで良いですね。多分もう買わないでしょう。

Book Break / 本の紹介

It's time to introduce another book I managed to read in Japanese. As you can tell from the cover, it's about food again. The title is [Sekai no Obento] which translates to [Obentos of the World]. Bento, which I believe, is now part of the English language lexicon. This is Naomi Hattori's first book. In her prologue, she says she loves to take pictures while traveling abroad. It was when she was in Myanmar with friends that she first got the idea of taking pictures of the world's bentos (or lunches) when she spotted a high school girl carrying a cute box and wondered what it was. From this humble beginning, Hattori becomes a bento box and thermos collector. In her book, she features standard home made lunches from 22 countries from Japan to India, Canada to Brazil, and Norway to Egypt, also including some lesser known countries such as Laos, Bhutan, and Palau. She also interviews a man who works for a home-made lunch delivery service in India. If you are from any one of the countries featured, you will be reminded of taking sack lunches to school, lunch pails, peanut-butter jelly sandwiches if you're American, curry and chapati if your Indian, and rice topped with a plum if your Japanese. One last section features the voices of ordinary people with their memories of their home made lunches. Quite an enjoyable read, even if it is in another language.

またまた日本語で本を読みましたよ。今回紹介するのは服部直美の「世界のお弁当」。本の表紙を見れば、また食べ物に関する話と分かりますよね。これは著者の初の本です。彼女が旅するたんびに写真を撮るの好きで、ある時、友人とミャンマーのヤンゴンの旅行中、ある女子高生が不思議な箱の様な物を持って、気になって、聞いてみたら、ランチボックスと答えた。それで著者が旅行に出掛ける時に必ず行った国の弁当箱や水筒を買うようになった。その始まりから、世界中のお弁当を紹介する本を考えた。この本は２２ヶ国の定番のお弁当を紹介します。日本はもちろん、東南アジア、カナダからブラジルまで、ノルウェーからエジプトまで。あんまり知られたない国のお弁当まで紹介します、例えばラオス、ブータン、とパラオ。インドにお弁当宅配職人の密着取材も行った。自分の自慢の弁当箱と水筒のコレクションも紹介してます。紹介された国の方だったら、懐かしい思い出が蘇るかも知りません。アメリカ人ならピーナッツバター・ジェリー、インド人ならカレーとチャパティ、それで日本人なら多分白いご飯の上に梅干しが乗ってるお弁当。最後のほうに「お弁当の思い出」のチャプターがある。いろんな人がお弁当の思い出を語るの結構面白いです。でも、やっぱり自分の母国語以外で本を読むのはかなり時間がかかるし、難しいですね。でも、そうしないと、読む力が上達しませんね。また頑張ります。

More Fun in Vegas / ベガス遊びがつづく

What happens in Vegas...but hey, don't be alarmed. It was Mikako who took this picture. We are having fun at Madame Tussaud's Interactive Wax Museum.

ベガスであったことは。。。な～んて、驚かないで。美香子がこの写真を撮った。マダムトゥソーインタアクティブ蝋人形館で遊んでます。

Then I got to hang out with Cameron Diaz.

次はキャメロン・ディアズと一緒。

Then I tried my hand at shooting hoops with an NBA star.

そのあと、NBA選手とバスケに挑戦。

And then Mikako gets a shock as she learns that her hand is bigger than Jon Bon Jovi's!

それで美香子がちょっとショックを受けた事があった、なんと、ジョン・ボン・ジョヴィの手形があって、自分の手と合わせたら、美香子の手がジョンよりでかかった。

Don and I hanging out with our country's forefathers - Ben and Tom.

アメリカの歴史の人物と一緒、ベンジャミン・フランクリンとトマス・ジェファーソン。

At night, we enjoyed the free show at Treasure Island

夜になって、トレジャーアイランドのフリー海賊ショーを見に行った。

I'm almost finished with my Vegas posts. The only thing left is the night tour which features the Fremont Arcade.

ベガスのネタがあとちょっとで終了。まだ紹介してないのはベガスのナイトツアーのフリーモント・アーケード。

Tokyo University of Agriculture's 117th Annual Harvest Festival / 第１１７回 東京農業大学 収穫祭

The end of October and the beginning of November is the season for Japan Universities to have their annual school festivals. Nodai (Tokyo University of Agriculture) refers to their festival as a harvest festival. A number of the university clubs will set up food stalls, others will be selling their produce, there will be displays featuring the harvesting of rice and other grains. As there are a lot of foreign students, there will also be stalls featuring foods from their country. There will also be a small petting zoo for the kiddies. This will be me and Mikako's third time in going. However, this year we invited a few friends to join us. But I think the big star of the Nodai Harvest Festival is the whole roasted pig! And now get hungry as you check out what we had to eat:

１０月の末と１１月の頭は日本の大学の学園祭季節です。東京農業大学は農業の大学なので、学園祭じゃなく、収穫祭が行われる。大学のいろんな学部が屋台をだし、食べ物から新鮮な野菜、作られた蜂蜜、米の作り方の展示会、等。留学生も多いので、他の国の食べ物の屋台も出ます。子供たちの為に小動物のふれあい会場もある。今年は僕と美香子にとって、三回目の参加。今回は友達も誘って、
いろいろ食べましたよ。でも自分が思うのは、毎年の主役は豚の丸焼き君！さて、腹減る様に私たちが食べたものをご覧になれ：

Lumpia from Indonesia (made with minced chicken, carrots, green peppers, and vermicelli) / インドネシアのルンピア（揚げ春巻き、中身は鳥のひき肉、人参、ピーマン、とビーフン）

Thai-style yaki-bifun (stir-fried noodles with shrimp) / タイ風焼きビーフン


Devil's Tongue or Elephant's Foot on a Stick (I looked it up on an internet dictionary) / 玉こんにゃく

Ise Udon / 伊勢うどん


Korean Chijimi / 韓国のチヂミ

Mongolian Hoshoru / モンゴルのホーショル

Nan-dog / ナンドッグ


Assorted Fried Breads (chocolate, cinnamon, brown sugar, & takoyaki flavored) / 揚げパンの盛り合わせ（チョコ、シナモン、黒里きなこ、とたこ焼き）

Free sample of Japanese sake / 日本酒の試飲

Free sample of rice / 米の試食

And the star of the Harvest Festival / そして収穫祭の主役

And to savor Mr. Piggie, a pork skewer and some soup.

で豚君を味わうのは豚串と豚汁。

Now that you're all full, some other friends joined us to check out the small petting zoo. But it was so full that we decided to find a small cafe somewhere to relax. Our snack ran to dinner, so it became an all day eating festival. I decided to skip the pictures of our dinner at a place called the Sio Cafe. Guess we will have to go back there again some other time.

さて、皆がお腹いっぱいになったところで、別の友達が合流しまして、ふれあい広場に行ってみた。でも込み過ぎて、その場で解散。最後に来た友達と「シオ・カフェー」に行って軽く飲むつもりが、そのまま時間が過ぎて、結局カフェーに夕飯も食べました。世田谷区の食い倒れツアーだった。でも、夕飯の食べ物の写真を撮るの辞めました。またいつか「シオ・カフェ―」に行くしかないな。

Curry Restaurant CHANA / カレーレストラン 「チャナ」

Yesterday, as we enjoyed some home-made curry, I thought I would introduce another neighborhood curry joint.

昨日、うちで久しぶりに手作りカレーを食べたので、今回はまた近所にあるカレーレストランを紹介したいと思います。

Mikako and I ordered the house special - the Chana Curry. It was mild blend with just a slight kick and is served with a large portion of pork that just melts in your mouth.

僕と美香子はチャナカレー頼みました。味はマイルドで濃くがあって、とっても美味しいです。さらに、豚肉と言うより、角煮が入ってる！

And for a finishing touch, a picture of the the curry and rice together!! Bon Appetit.

で、最後にカレーと白いご飯の合体！！いただきます！

Delicious!

美味しい！

Thrill Rides at the Stratosphere (Part 2) / ストラトスファイアホテルの屋上の絶叫マシーン （パート２）

Now that you've seen what the Big Shot is, time for you to enjoy a couple of video clips of Mikako and my friend Don as they experience "Insanity". And to remind you of how high we are, check out the picture below.

ビッグ・ショットの動画を観たあと、今度は美香子と友達のドンが「インサニティ」に挑戦してます。で、どの位の高さにあるのを、改めて下記の写真にご覧下さい。

Its a long ways down!

下まで遠いですよ！

Mikako has yet to open her eyes!

美香子が目を閉じたままで挑戦するのか？

And as there was no one to take our pictures when we rode the Extreme at night, this picture will give you an idea of what it was like.

夜に美香子と二人で「エクストリーム」も乗りましたが、写真を撮る人がないので、下記の写真を見て想像して下さい。

Thrill Rides at the Stratosphere (Part 1) / ストラトスフィアホテルの屋上の絶叫マシーン （パート１）

Pictured above is the Stratosphere Hotel in Las Vegas. At the top of the tower there are three thrill rides. That long tower at the top is the Big Shot. And as one of the ads states "The Big Shot whisks you 160 feet in the air in an astounding 2.5 seconds. Get a feel of weightlessness as 4 Gs of force literally lift you off your seat. You'll then drop to shocking one negative G." Is that intense or what? You will be 1,049 feet in the air.

上記にある写真はベガスにあるストラトスフィアホテル。屋上には三つの絶叫マシーンがあります。あの塔もその一つ。それは「ビッグ・ショット」です。二秒半で約５０ｍまで飛ばされる。４Gもある。富士急ハイランドのドンドンパの立てバージョンみたいな感じ。１０９階まで登って、そこから更に上に飛ばされる！ま、東京タワーの上に立てドンドンパを設置するような感じかな。


View from the top of the Stratosphere. スツラトスフィアの上からの眺め。

Another view from the top of the Stratosphere. また別の角度の眺め。

And now check out me and my friend Don as we experience the Big Shot!

さて、僕と僕の友達のドンの「ビッグ・ショット」体験ご覧になって下さい。

Quarter Pounder Update / クォーターパウンダー最新情報

There was another news piece about the Quarter Pounder burger shop (and yes it's the same picture I used in the original post). The burger shop really was nothing more than a PR stunt thought up by McDonald's. In fact, the two stores were open for a limited time only - they're scheduled to close at the end of this month. The American Ex-Pats will be sad that they might not get another chance to get their fill of quarter pounder with cheese or the double quarter pounder with cheese. Bummer! But hey, there really is a new burger joint in town that serves what's called a Sasebo Burger (Japan's first burger by the way) and it just opened in Roppongi and is called [Zat's]. Unfortunately, I have yet to go there.

クォーターパウンダーに関する記事がありまして。本当はその二軒の店舗はマックのPR企画でした。期間限定の店で、今月末はもう閉店する予定です。日本滞在のアメリカ人が悲しむと思うな。まだいつクォーターパウンダーかダブルクォーターパウンダーが食べれるかと。とっても残念な事です。でも、また本当に新たなバーガーショップが六本木にオープンしました。その店の自慢のバーガーは佐世保バーガーです（日本の元祖アメリカンバーガーです。）店は「Zat's」。私はまだ行ってませんが、近いうちに行くのは間違いない！

My Mother's Request / お母さんのリクエスト

My mother asked me to posts pictures of my relatives who made the trip from Japan and Italy to be at my sister's wedding. So I shall introduce you to some of my relatives.

私のお母さんが日本とイタリアからベガスまで来てくれた親戚の写真をブログにアップして下さいと言われましたので、今日は私の親戚を紹介します。

These are my aunts. 　私のおばさんの皆さま。

My mother with her brothers and sisters. 私のお母さん（一番右）とお母さんの兄弟。

My Aunt Chidori with her husband Maurizio (they live in Rome) with my crazy Uncle Seiichi.

ちどりおばさん（姉さんとよびなさいと言われたことある）と旦那。（ローマに住んでます）と陽気のセイイチおじさん（どの漢字が忘れたので、カタカナに書きました）。

The Japan crowd including my father and my cousin John with his wife (that would be the non-Japanese couple).

日本組の皆さま（私のお父さんと従兄弟のジョンと妻‐日本人じゃない人たち）。

I believe everybody had a great time.

皆が凄い楽しい時間を過ごしたと思う。

Quarter Pounder / クォーターポウンダー

A new burger shop has come to Tokyo. I was informed by my co-worker, who's wife wanted him to pass on this information to me. So of course, I had to go check it out. The coupon for a free Quarter Pounder with cheese set may have been a factor as well!

新しいバーガー屋が東京に上陸しました。会社の同僚の奥さんから得た情報。行ってみるしかないと思いました。その上にただでチーズ入りクォーターパウンダーセットのクーポンまで頂きました。それがあったから、すぐでも行く事にした。

Currently, there are only two Quarter Pounder burger shops in Tokyo. One in Shibuya and the other in Omotesando. But is it really a new burger shop? Digging a little further into this mystery I discovered that this is a marketing ploy by none of than that global burger chain with the golden arches - McDonald's! My American readers probably figureded that out once they read "quarter pounder" - which is on the regular menu in the States. They may be surprised to find that the quarter pounder with cheese and the double-quarter pounder with cheese isn't featured on the menu in Japan's McDonalds. The menu only features those two burgers. It reminds me of Dick's Burgers in my hometown of Seattle (let's not get picky about me really being from Tacoma!)

現在、クォーターパウンダーの店は東京で二か所しかない。一軒は渋谷（実際食べに行った店）と表参道。でも本当に新しいバーガー屋でしょうか？情報を探る為にネットで調べた。そしたら、やっぱりあの世界的でゴルデンアーチがが目印のバーガーチェインでした‐それはマクドナルドでした。アメリカ人の読者たちはクォーターパウンダーを読んで、多分気付いたと思う。アメリカ人の友達は驚くかも知りませんが、アメリカのマックで普通にあるクォーターパウンダーは日本のメニューにありません。メニューにはこの二つのバーガーしかありません。何か、地元のシアトルのディックスバーガーが思い出す。

American ex-pats in Tokyo will be in heaven to know that McDonald's quarter pounder with cheese and double quarter pounder with cheese is now available. And it was delicious. It even had Mikako's approval. She said the onions were nice and crunchy and flavorful adding to the burger's taste. I think it's an interesting marketing ploy. The shop itself is unlike any regular McDonald's. The interior is done all in black and red, as well as the the packaging.

クォーターパウンダーが日本上陸して、東京滞在のアメリカ人が天国に居る気分になるかも知りませんね。久しぶりに食べたら、やっぱり美味しかったです。 美香子も高い評価をあげました。玉ねぎがシャキシャキして、味も最高と言いました。結構良いマーケティングアイディアと思った。店は普通のマックとは違うし、店内のインテリアがが黒と赤でオシャレな出来ばいです。パッケジも同じ色で面白いなと思った。

And as closing statement to this post - I thank my co-worker's wife.

最後に改めて、会社の同僚の奥様にありがとうと伝えたい。

Vegas for Bon Jovi Fans / ボン・ジョヴィファンのベガス

What does Bon Jovi have to do with Vegas? Any fan can tell you Bon Jovi is from New Jersey. Well, there is a place called the Graceland Wedding Chapel where Jon Bon Jovi got married. And its a place where a priest dressed as Elvis does the ceremony. This is the one place in Vegas that Mikako really wanted to go to (being the big fan she is if you didn't know).

ボン・ジョヴィとベガスはどうゆう関係があるの？ファンなら誰でもボン・ジョヴィの出身地はニュージャージーと知ってる。答えはグレースランド・ウェディング・チャペル（ファンならこれも知ってるはず）、このチャペルでジョン・ボン・ジョヴィが結婚した場所。美香子はどうしてもこの場所に行ってみたかったの（熱狂的なボン・ジョヴィファンですから）。

And how would non-fans know this - just check out the sign.

ノンファンたちがどうやってこの情報を得るの？サインを見て。

The area where this chapel is located is just one among the many (including the walk-up and drive-thru weddings).

このチャペルの場所の周りは他のチャペルもいっぱいです（ドレイブ・スルーウェディイングも含め）。

A must-stop for Bon Jovi fans!

ボン・ジョヴィファンなら行ってみるべし。

Nissin Cup Noodle New England Clam Chowder / 日清クリーム風クラムチャウダーヌードル

And if there's Manhattan Clam Chowder Noodles, there's bound to be New England Clam Chowder Noodles as well. As I'm a big fan of clam chowder (the New England type), I thought this would taste even better than the Manhattan one. Unfortunately, that was not the case. When it comes to a choice of cup noodles between Manhattan and New England, Manhattan wins hands down. Maybe it's because I have an image of New England clam chowder being creamy and thick. Ooh, I'm making myself yearn for the clam chowder from Ivar's on the waterfront (in Seattle!).

トマト風クラムチャウダーがあれば、かならずクリーム風クラムチョウダーもあるのは間違いない。自分のチャウダーの好みはやっぱりクリーム風なので、期待してました。でも残念ながら期待外れでした。その二つの中、どっちかを選ばなきゃ、トマト風は圧倒的な勝利ですね。自分のイメージがあったかも。もっとクリミーな感じと思った。あ～あ、シアトルにある「アイバーズ」とゆう店のクラムチャウダーが食べたくなった。

Cheers. Oh, I'm far from finished with my Vegas posts. There will be more.

でわでわ。あっ、ベガスのネタはまだまだありますよ。今後期待して下さい。

Nissin Cup Noodle Manhattan Clam Chowder / 日清トマト風クラムチャウダーヌードル

Still taking a short break from the Vegas posts and thought I would feature a new flavor of instant noodles. Yes, I said noodles. This isn't just Manhattan style clam chowder, it's Manhattan style clam chowder with noodles! And I must say, it was quite delicious.


ベガスのポストから一旦休憩して、今日は日清カップヌードルの新しい味の物を紹介します。これはただのクラムチャウダーじゃないですよ。チャウダーに麺が入ってます。これは以外と美味しい。

Bon Appetit!

いただきます！

Soy Sauce to Quench Your Thirst? / 喉かわいたら醤油飲む？

Of course I wouldn't think of drinking soy sauce to quench my thirst. Take a closer look. The bottle says "Nanchatte Orange". Its an orange drink (even if it is the color of soy sauce). And check out the warning written at the bottom of the bottle. A couple of the lines in Japanese above the sign say "This is not soy sauce" in Japanese.

喉かわいても醤油を飲むわけないでしょう。よく見て。ラベルに書いてあるのは「なんちゃってオレンジ」。オレンジドリンクですよ（いくら色が醤油と一緒でも）。瓶にちゃんと「しょうゆじゃないよ！」って書かれてます。英語でも注意の言葉。

All I can say is it tasted better than the kimchee-flavored soda.

一つ言える事はキムチラムネより美味しいよ！

Just to give you an idea of the color.

こうゆう色でした。

The Grand Canyon (Part 3) / グランド・キャニオン （パート３）

And because I loved the canyon so much, I took quite a lot of pictures. These are the last ones of the bunch with one last video clip as well.

グランド・キャニオンに圧倒され、写真を撮りまくった。こちらが最後のバッチです。あともう一つの動画もあります。

Because we didn't get to venture down into the canyon, the following picture is the only with a very small view of the Colorado River.

キャニオンの下まで行ってなかったので、下記の写真が唯一コロラド川が写ってる一枚。

And so ended our trip to the Grand Canyon. On our way back to Vegas, a different tour bus had broke down so our driver helped out some stranded tourists which made our comfortable bus overcrowded. Fortunately, the other tour was sending a bus to pick up their passengers at Hoover Dam so we would get a chance to take a picture of the place at night.

それでグランド・キャニオンツアーが終了しました。帰りの途中に他社のツアーバスが故障して止まったので、私たちの運転手が他社の客何人かを乗せてあげて、フーバーダムまで送ることにした。それでフーバーダムの夜景の写真が撮ることが出来た。

The Grand Canyon (Part 2) / グランド・キャニオン （パート２）

More pictures of the Grand Canyon.

グランド・キャニオンの写真がまだつづく。

And still more pictures to follow.

まだまだ写真がつづく

The Grand Canyon (Part 1) / グランド・キャニオン （パート１）

No prose can describe the vastness or the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Our tour took us to two viewpoints along the South Rim, Bright Angel and Mather's Point. This is one place one must definitely go to and see with their own eyes. I would love to come back and spend more time here. Maybe stay at one of those places at the bottom of the canyon.

グランド・キャニオンの美しさや凄さは言葉で表す事は出来ないですね。ヤバイしか言えない。私たちのツアーはグランド・キャニオンのサウス・リムの二か所を廻った、ブライト・エンジェルとマーザーズ・ポイント。ここは本当に自分の目で見るべき。圧倒されますよ。機会があればまた戻って、長い時間で滞在したいな。キャニオンの下のほうの宿に泊って。

Bright Angel Viewpoint

Mom and Dad at the Grand Canyon / 私の両親

Mather Point, never mind my mother's conversation.

私のお母さんの話を気にしないで。

My aunts and uncles at the Grand Canyon / 私の親戚です

To be continued...

つづく

Seligman, Arizona on Route 66 / アリゾナ州、ルート６６にあるセリッグマン

I'm so happy that our driver made the short detour to drive along the original Mother Road, Route 66 and made a short stop at the little town of Seligman, Arizona which the town in the Pixar movie "Cars" was heavily based on.

グランド・キャニオン行く途中にセリッグマンとゆう小さな町に寄りました。この町はおのマザーロードと呼ばれてるルート６６にある。セリッグマンが映画「カーズ」の町のモデルにもなっていた。

I met Mater right away.

すぐにメーターと会いました。

McQueen was also promoting the town.

マックインも町を宣伝してます。

This is a town where pictures are worth more than words.

この町は文章より写真のほうが感じると思うので、見て下さい。

Sitting on an old barber chair in the Route 66 Gift Shop.

ルート６６のお土産屋でアンティクの床屋の椅子に座ってます。

Why is there a license plate from a town in Japan?

なぜか習志野のナンバープレートが飾ってある。

And one last picture of me wearing my newly bought Route 66 shirt standing next to James Dean.

最後の一枚は買ったばっかりのルート６６シャツを着て、ジェームス・ディーンとのツ・ショット

Next stop - the Grand Canyon!

次の目的地 － グランド・キャニオン

Road to the Canyon / グランド・キャニオンを目指す

This will be our temporary home for the next 14 hours or so as we head towards the Grand Canyon's South Rim. But before we get there, we'll be making a short stop at Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, have a quick breakfast at McDonald's, take a short detour from the main highway to travel on the original Route 66 and short stop in Seligman, Arizona - the town that the Pixar movie "Cars" is heavily based on, have a buffet lunch at a Quality Inn before reaching the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

このバスがグランド・キャニオン日帰りツアー１４時間の移動式家になります。でもグランド・キャニオンに着く前にレイク・ミードとフーバーダムに寄って、マックで朝食をとって、メインのハイウェイーからマザーロードと呼ばれてるルート６６に寄り道して、セリッグマン（映画「カーズ」のモデルになった町）に寄って、昼食をクォリティーインのバイキングをすまして、グランド・キャニオンのサウス・リムにたどり着く。

As we reached Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, I was disappointed to find out that we would only be able to see the dam from a distance. Apparently after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, bus tours to the dam itself were stopped. I was so looking forward to walking along the top of the dam and was hoping to take a lot of pictures. We didn't get a chance to take a picture of the monument dedicated to the people who worked on the dam. Yet, we still had to go through a security check before reaching our viewpoint. A total disappointment.

レイク・ミードとフーバーダムに着く前にバスの運転手から残念なお知らせがありました。同時多発テロのあと、ダムのツアーは一旦中止になった。その後、バスツアーではダム自体は行けなくなった。遠くから見るだけ。ダムの上を歩くの楽しみにしてたのに、超がっかり。ダムを作った人々の為の記念碑の写真を撮る事も出来ず、なんだかつまらなかった。本当に残念。

You really cannot tell what an achievement the Hoover Dam was with these pictures.

上記の写真を見るとフーバーダムの凄さは全然伝わらないでしょう。

This tunnel was made to catch any over fill from Lake Mead but unfortunately it seems that Lake has been getting lower and lower for the past few years that this will probably never be used for what it was made for.

この穴は万が一湖の水が漏れたらここでキャッチする役目なんですが、この数年湖が浅くなっているので、今後も使用する事はないでしょう。

Next stop - Seligman, Arizona!

次の目的地 ‐ アリゾナ州、セリッグマン

View from the bus on our way to the Canyon / バスから撮った風景（アメリカですね！）

Vegas Eats (Part 2) / ベガスで食った （パート２）

More Vegas eats for your culinary pleasure. The day after the wedding I was nominated family tour conductor for the day trip to the Grand Canyon. Which meant breakfast at McDonald's and lunch at a Quality Inn. We also manage to check out our hotel's all you can eat buffet at the Paradise Garden Buffet. And our last dinner in Vegas once again at the Tropical Breeze Cafe. And now for the second food tour:

ベガスの食いネタのつづき。結婚式の翌日、私が家族のグランド・キャニオン日帰りツアーの添乗員になったので、朝食はマックで昼食はグランド・キャニオンの近くのホテルのバイキング。フラミンゴホテルのパラダイス・ガーデン・ビュッフェの食べ放題も行って。ベガス最後の食事はまたフラミンゴの中のトリピカル・ブリーズ・カフェー。それでは、二度目の食い物ツアーに出発：

Pancakes and a Breakfast Burrito (not available in Tokyo) at McDonald's.

マックでホットケーキとブレクファストブリット（なぜ東京にはないんだ？）

My plate from the Quality Inn Buffet / クォリティーインのバイキングで選んだ物

And a salad plate to go with my lunch / サラダも忘れずに

We enjoyed a brunch at the Paradise Garden Buffet in the Flamingo Hotel. My friend Don was with us in case you were wondering why there are three full plates.

フラミンゴホテルの中の食べ放題レストランも良かった。三つのプレートがあるのは、友達のドンも一緒でした。

My Plate / 私の皿


Mikako's Plate / 美香子の皿

My friend Don's Plate / 友達のドンの皿

This is just the dessert buffet. One counter is full of sugar-free desserts!

これはデザートたけの場所。凄いでしょう。一つのカウンターが無糖のデザートもずらり並んでます。

Assorted desserts / デザートの盛り合わせ

And our last meal in Vegas.

ベガスで最後の食事。

Reuben Sandwich / ルーベン・サンド（ホットコーンビーフ、スイスチーズ、サワクラウト、とサウザンダドレッシングがライ・パンに挟んでる）

Pacific Coast Grill / パシフィック・コースト・グリル（ターキー、ベーコン、アボカド、トモトとスイスチーズがサワドーパンに挟んでる）

Next post, it's off to the Grand Canyon.

次のネタ、グランド・キャニオン行き

Vegas Eats (Part 1) / ベガスで食った （パート１）

Las Vegas - so far, I've introduced the hotel I stayed at, my sister's pre-wedding party, the wedding, the reception, the Strip, and an informal family portrait. I have yet to tell you about my culinary adventures (aside from Buca di Beppo - scene of the pre-wedding party). And I have yet to write about the day trip to Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, Seligman on Route 66, and the Grand Canyon. Or about riding the thrill rides at the top of the Stratosphere. Or checking out Graceland Chapel (where Jon Bon Jovi got married). Or checking out Madame Tussaud's Interactive Wax Museum (where we come across Jon Bon Jovi again!). But first, I had to take a picture of this tattoo parlor. Any lover of heavy metal music will know who this is.

ラス・ベガス ‐ いままで紹介したことは、泊ったホテル、結婚式前日のパーティー、妹の結婚式、披露宴、ザ・ストリップ（ホテル通り）等。食事ネタはまだでしたね（結婚前日のパーティー会場以外）。でも旅のネタはまだつづく。グランド・キャニオン日帰りツアー（レーク・ミード、フーバーダム、ルート６６、ともちろんグランド・キャニオン）。ストラトスフィアーホテルの屋上にある絶叫マシン、グレースランドチャッペル（ジョン・ボン・ジョヴィが結婚した場所）、マダムトゥッソーのインターアクティブ蝋人形館（そこでまたジョン・ボン・ジョヴィに会う）。でもその前にこの一前をご覧下さい。ヘビ・メタ好きなら誰でも知ってる。

And now for the food:

それでは：

First a little dessert inside the Forum Shops - some gourmet gelato. We were shocked to find that one dish cost nearly $15.00.

最初はフォーラム・ショップの中にグルメジェラート。値段にびっくり。ワン・ディッシュが１５００円位。

From left going clockwise: Reeses Peanut Butter Cup, Banana Foster, Italian Pistachio Supreme

左から回って：リーセズ・ピーナツバター・カップ、バナナ・フォスター、イタリアン・ピスタッチオ・シュプリーム

Next is breakfast at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville

次は「ジミ・バフェッツ・マガリタビル

French Quarter Omelet / フレンチ・クォーター・オムレツ

Steak and Eggs for Breakfast / 朝食にステーキと卵 （アメリカで定番ですよ）

Late night snack at Tropical Breeze (located inside the Flamingo). We shared these with my friend Don along with a couple of beers.

フラミンゴの中にある一つのレストランに軽いつまみ。友達も一緒だったので、これを食べながら、ビールも飲んでました。

Quessadillas / ケッサディアー（溶けたチーズ入りのトルティアー）

To be continued...

つづく

Your First Book and Why You Read

*日本語書き込み無し

As I'm an avid reader, I thought this would be an interesting exercise to participate in. I saw the questions posted on my friend Janet's blog started which was posted by a friend of hers.


1. Do you remember the first book you ever read on your own?

Digging far back into my memory, I can remember my second or third grade class in Grant Heights (Tokyo, Japan - what can I say, I'm an army brat!), where we would get to order books from some company for class. My mother never had any complaints about buying books (and encouraged me to read as well - and also made me read books in Japanese too!). Anyway, I cannot be sure if it was my first book or not but the one I earliest book I remember reading on my own was Eleanor Cameron's "The Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet". It seems as if I had an early start on my road to loving science-fiction and fantasy, as this book was followed by Madeleine L'Engle's "A Wrinkle in Time".

2. Do you remember how you felt?

I thought it would be really neat if you could build a spaceship with a friend and fly to another planet.


3. Do you remember a book that you read again and again as a child?

I'm also one of those people who does not read a book over and over again. If I read it once, that's it. However, there was one title that I do remember reading over and over again. It was when we moved to the States from Japan (around 1973). It seemed I had one book that I would take with me everywhere and never get bored of reading it. Unfortunately I cannot recall the exact title but I remember the contents quite well. It was a book about the seven ancient wonders of the world. I imagine I was the only sixth grader who could name all seven ancient wonders. Perhaps this book was the catalyst my love of World Heritage sites.


4. Why that book? Have you read it again as an adult? If so, was it like you remembered?

As I mentioned above, it was the only book I had before settling down. My father just retired from the military and we had just moved to the Seattle/Tacoma area. We were staying at my mothers' friend's house and that book was probably my only form of entertainment at the time. As to reading it again as an adult - because I cannot recall the actual title, I must say no; however I did buy two large coffee table books published by Skira on World Heritage Sites, "A Treasury of World Culture", volumes 1 and 2. And I am still mesmerized by places like Pompeii and Ayutaya (World Heritage Sites I've actually been to). I also recently went to the Grand Canyon (another UNESCO World Heritage Site). I never tire of reading about those places either. My ultimate goal is to to go Machu Picchu, Chichen Itza, and Victoria Falls!

5. Why do you read?

Oh my. Why do I read? It's relaxing, exciting, thrilling, and makes you feel a host of other emotions depending on what type of story you're reading. From the pure escapism of fantasy, to the cold reality of non-fiction. It enables me to travel the world without leaving the house (travel essays) It's informative (history, biography, other non-fiction), it's just plain fun (humor, children's).

Oops, I think I hear a book calling to me - so off I must go!

And finally - way to go Obama!!

Kimchee-Flavored Soda / キムチ風ラムネ

Short break from the Vegas posts.

ベガスのネタから一旦休憩。

I don't think this will be selling big time anytime soon. It's awful! It's gross! It's worse the curry soda I tried a while ago. It's a kimchee-flavored carbonated soda. Why did I drink this after eating delicious gyoza and Turkish ice cream?

これは大ヒットはしないでしょう。マーズイ！！気持ち悪い！カレーラムネよりきつい。本当にキムチ味のラムネだよ。なんで美味しい餃子とトルコアイスを食べた後にこれを飲んだか？

With Mom and Dad / 両親と一緒

An informal portrait with my parents in our hotel room. I love the way this picture came out.

ホテルの部屋で僕の両親との写真。ベガスの写真で一番の気に入り。

The Reception / 披露宴

My sister's wedding ended without any problems. The reception was to be held in a different venue - "The Ritz of Las Vegas". Dinner was to be a buffet with an open bar. The usual activities of an American wedding would take place here as well - the removing of the garter belt, the throwing of the bouquet, and the cutting of the wedding cake, Best Man Speech, along with dancing, more drinking, and just having a grand ole time.

妹の結婚式が無事終わりまして、披露宴の為に「リッツ・オブ・ラス ベガス」の場所に移動。食事はバイキングでオーペンバー（酒の飲み放題）。この場で定番のイベントが行われる‐ガーター外し、ブーケートス、ケーキの入刀、友人のスピーチ等、楽しい時間をすごす（日本の二次会みたいな感じです）。

The Newlyweds Entrance / 新しい夫婦の入場

The reception dinner / 披露宴の食事


My choice for dinner / 自分が選んだ食べ物


The Wedding Party / ウェーディングぱーティ参加者


The Newlyweds first dance / 新婚初のダンス


Cutting of the Cake / ケーキの入刀

Sharing of the cake / お互いのケーキ食わせ


Removing of the garter / ガーター外し

Garter removed / ガーター外した

Throwing of the bouquet / ブーケートス

My crazy uncle dancing up a storm / 僕の陽気なおじさんがダンスに参加

And finally a picture of me with my newly wed sister. I must apologize for the lack of video clips at the reception as the battery of my digital camera was dying out as I had forgotten to charge it up the previous night.

最後は僕と新妻の妹。披露宴で動画が足りないのは、前の日カメラの電池を充電するのを忘れました。申し訳ございません。

Tomorrow I will be my relatives tour conductor for a day trip to the Grand Canyon so I called it a night around midnight.

明日僕は日本の親戚の添乗員になるため、早めに寝ようとしたが、結局深夜二時位まで起きてた。明日はグランド・キャニオン日帰りツアー

The Wedding \ 結婚式

What you've all been waiting for me. The wedding of my sister to the man in her life - Tyrone Cardenas. And yes, I already received permission from my sister and Tyrone to post these pics. First a picture of the groom being led to the altar accompanied by my mother. Tyrone's own parents had to watch the proceedings from heaven.

おまちかね。妹の結婚式。 もちろん事前に妹とタイローンの許可をとって写真を載せてま。最初の写真は僕の義理の弟になるタイローン・カルディーナス。私のお母さんがエスコートをしてます。タイローンの両親は残念ながら、天国から見守ってます。

And now for the Bride's entrance.

新婦の入場

The Groom and Bride / 新郎新婦

The exchanging of the rings / 指輪の交換

My sister excited about exchanging her vows / 元気良く誓いの言葉を言ってます

And the Kissing of the Bride / そして近いのキッス

Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Cardenas / カルディーナス夫妻誕生

And off to drink a cocktail or two before heading off to the reception.

ほっとして、披露宴行く前に酒一杯か二杯を飲みに行く姿。

Goal!! / ゴール！！

The Reception - to be continued...

披露宴 ‐ つづく

Ern's Monthly Page Turners (October 2008)

*本のネタ日本語は書き込みません

I know this may come as a shock to you all, but I have only read five books this month. And I imagine your shocked because I'm writing two posts in one evening. Why this is so is simply answered, because I spent some leisure time in the States and did not find the time to read through any prose (except on the flight from Tokyo to San Francisco). And as my sister presented me with a couple of DVD sets, I found myself being entertained visually by Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern with their programs, "No Reservations" and "Bizarre Foods" respectively. And I'm currently reading another food related title - another gift from my sister (even though I requested it) - a hardcover version of "The Devil's Picnic" by Taras Grescoe. So, y'all will have to forgive me for the choices this month.

1. SHARK'S FIN AND SICHUAN PEPPER: A SWEET-SOUR MEMOIR OF EATING IN CHINA by Fuchsia Dunlop - Although I know my friend Janet has featured this title on her "Asia by the Book" blog, I discovered this gem in the book section of the Tacoma News Tribune that my father sends me from time to time. Food and travel - my favorite subjects to read about. Dunlop first travels to China as a student in 1994 and falls in love with the country. She returns to China as an academic but finds that her true calling in life wasn't among scholars, but was in the Chinese kitchen, specifically - the Sichuan kitchen. She becomes the first foreigner to enroll in the Sichuan Institute of Higher Cuisine. This makes for scrumptious reading even though some of the ingredients may seem a little extreme to our western sense of taste - or as the book's inner sleeve quotes - "sea cucumber, civet cat, scorpion, rabbit-heads, and the ovarian fat of the snow frog." Doesn't it make you hungry for more.


2. SEX AND THE CITY by Candace Bushnell - With the release of the movie and the popularity of the show here in Japan, I had to see what all the fuss was about. Big mistake!! Although I knew this book was based on a series of articles that Bushnell wrote for the New York Observer, it was definitely not a book that any guy would willingly read. All her subjects, including Bushnell herself, come off as shallow, self-centered singles looking for love in the Big Apple. Oy, it was a hard read to stomach. The glitterati and the idiots who only date models - just turn on the tube and watch Jerry Springer! Nope, can't say it made me want to watch the drama or movie - what it did make me want to do is slap that those people upside the head!!

3. THE HEROIN DIARIES: A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A SHATTERED ROCK STAR by Nikki Sixx - Being a fan of hard rock and heavy metal music since the fifth grade I can never seem to resist reading biographies of major rock stars. This book was put together by the diary of Motley Crue's bass player Nikki Sixx, which he wrote when he was at the peak of his career (and also at the peak of his addiction to heroin). It seems like all rock stars have this need to fulfill the image of sex, drugs, and rock and roll even though they all know the end result. Still makes for great reading though, although you will find yourself shaking your head when you read that he was spending $5000 a day on his habit!



4. MAGICIAN: APPRENTICE (Volume 1 of the Riftwar Saga) by Raymond E. Feist - Getting back to my first love - science fiction and fantasy, I finally got around to reading this series. My memory is a little fuzzy but I think the author did a signing at the bookstore where I worked or there was some kind of promotion for the author's preferred edition and I know I still have the series in hardcover which is collecting dust at my parent's house and had never been opened even though I had been meaning to read them. The story is a blend of "Lord of the Rings" with their elves and dwarves and goblins, a bit of T. H. White with kings and knights and magicians, and finally a bit of Star Trek with their parallel worlds. Pug is an orphan working in the kitchens of the castle. When boys reach a certain age, a ceremony is held where they are chosen to be apprentices for their new professions. As Pug was the only boy left who had not been chosen, the King's Magician sees something special in him but takes pity on him as well and is chosen to be the Magician's apprentice. As he grows older, something dark is brewing in his land of Midkemia. Some foreign invaders have discovered how to use a rift in the fabric of space-time to travel worlds apart and they are preparing to take over Pug's world. It's an epic story of Pug's coming of age, the King's court, and a world at war with an unknown enemy.



5. MAGICIAN:MASTER (Volume 2 of the Riftwar Saga) by Raymond E. Feist - The epic continues. This time on the world of the invaders where Pug has been taken captive. And from his start as a slave on a new world, his knowledge of magic becomes known and he's then sent elsewhere by these people who are above the law. I know, I'm just getting careless and can't really get into science fiction as much as I used to. I'm not sure if I will even read the next two books in the series. Perhaps when I find myself in a reminiscent mood again.

Yep, just five books this month. Sorry! And no visuals either. But hey, I was on vacation with very little time to read and I'm spending a lot of time writing about my exploits. Until next month - Happy Reading.

Oh yes, I have started another book that's written in Japanese (got to keep in practice). But as I mentioned before, any books I read in Japanese will be featured on it's own.

Cheers!

The Strip / ザ・ストリップ

My sister's wedding is fast approaching. It will take place at 5:30pm at the Garden Chapel on the grounds of the Flamingo Hotel. But since we had the entire day free, I shall introduce you to the famous Vegas strip featuring all those hotels you've probably seen a dozen times on the television. It was so fresh to me, this being my first time in Vegas.

妹の結婚式が近づいた。夕方五時半から始まります。でもその前にフリータイムがありましたので、今回、ベガスの有名な通り（通称ザ・ストリップ）を紹介します。多分テレビとか良く見てるところばっかりっかも知りませんが、僕にとって、初のベガスなので、全部が新鮮。テレビで見た事があっても、やっぱり生見ると違うな。

Right across from the Flamingo, is Caesar's Palace. The hotel where many Japanese stars would stay at (this is of course before the Bellagio was built).

フラミンゴの向かいにあるホテルは日本の有名人も良く利用してた「シーザーズ・パレス」、もちろん「ベラジオ」が出来る前の話なんですが。

And next to Caesar's Palace is the now famous Bellagio with it's large fountain and free fountain show. It's the hotel that was featured in "Ocean's 11" and "Rush Hour 2". I managed to take a few video clips of the fountain show at night.

隣は今一番有名な「ベラジオ」。映画「オーシャンズ１１」とか、「ラッシュ・アワー２」にも舞台になったホテル。夜で噴水ショーの動画も撮りました

Can you tell that the Paris Hotel is featured in the background?

後ろのほうにパリス・ホテルがあるのは分かったかな？

Also within walking distance from our hotel is the Paris with it's faux Eiffel Tower that you can't miss

ベラジオの向かいにあるホテルはパリス・ホテル。偽エッフェル塔も結構でっかいです。

But really made feel like I was in Vegas was the free dance show happening in the middle of the day in the middle of a casino.

ベガスに居ると一番感じたんのは、昼なのに, カシノの中にフリーダンスショーがあったこと。

And now for a few other sites.

他にも

New York, New York / ニューヨーク、ニューヨーク

Ballys and the Eiffel Tower / バリーズとエッフェル塔

Planet Hollywood at Night / プラネット・ハリウッド

Paris Hotel at Night / 夜のパリス・ホテル

Next, what you've all been waiting for. The actual wedding! Stay tuned.

次、お待ちかね。結婚式だ！